PE date set for double murder accused

On Monday the pair appeared in court, and a preliminary Inquiry is due to take place on March 29.

The PE will allow the District Judge to decide if the evidence is strong enough for the case to go to the Crown Court.

The pair are jointly charged with the murder of their former partners 20 years ago, Leslie Howell and Trevor Buchanan.

Howell (50) of Sea Road in Castlerock appeared via video link, from Maghaberry Prison, where he has been in custody since last January.

Wearing a grey sweat top and a white T-shirt, Howell only spoke to confirm he understood the charges.

The former dentist, who was struck off by the British Medical Council, is also charged with four counts of indecent assaults on females and four counts of using a stupefying drug to commit an indecent offence. The alleged incidents date back to 2004.

His co-accused Hazel Stewart, whose 47th birthday was on Monday, also appeared.

Wearing a black coat, black trousers and black gloves, Stewart didn't speak during the short hearing.

She was joined in court by her husband, David Stewart, who stood behind her as the hearing took place.

Stewart's sisters and members of the Buchanan family were also in court.

Her solicitor, Stephen Hastings, told the court that he was 'hopeful' a PE could take place on March 29.

The solicitor said that there was a 'substantial amount of evidence' and that he would do his best to have counsel briefed on the matter.